Update as of 12/16/20. Questions arose in an interview between Governor Ige and reporters that took place on Friday. Plus, we have received hundreds of more comments at Beat of Hawaii (BOH) from those who have canceled or are considering canceling Hawaii travel due to the uncertainties of complying with the Safe Travels rules.
Despite wide-ranging requests from stakeholders, the governor now appears distinctly disinclined to change at least one of the two most criticized aspects of the current Safe Travels rules. Read on for the details in seven key areas, together with our take. No one knows right now what the governor is thinking. Even his friend, Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, can’t seem to find out.
1. Remove 14-day when through no fault of a visitor, results from Hawaii trusted testing partners do not arrive in time for Hawaii arrival.
BOH says: Not happening.
Ige said for the first time that he does not intend to change the current plan. As you recall, without buy-in from stakeholders, Ige already changed it once, from visitors being able to get out of quarantine when results arrived to now being forced to quarantine 14-days or return to the mainland.
Lori, a Beat of Hawaii reader, just said, “After doing everything right with Safe Travels and crossing our fingers, we were sitting in the parking lot of airport with bags ready to check when no results came (95hrs it took!), and we were forced to cancel 1 hour before flight… We were so disappointed, exhausted, stressed, despondent, and in shock. Some things were refunded, and some things were not, and for no fault of our own!”
But questions remain about the state’s own trusted testing partners whom we are talking about, for tests taken under the terms both the visitors and the trusted partners agreed to. This sends a very confusing message to visitors. The state is using the threat of a 14-day quarantine as a way to try to stop those visitors who haven’t received results before boarding from even trying to come to Hawaii. That since only the federal government is actually capable of controlling interstate travel requirements, including requiring testing.
In rambling comments, the governor said that the state is stuck with those who don’t get results in time and that sometimes, it is becoming impossible to find various accommodations for those people. Ige said those awaiting test results might arrive late in the evening. That is why Ige said he originally changed the policy.
2. Expand the 72 hour pre-travel test period to 96 hours.
BOH says: Unknown.
Hawaii’s COVID testing leader, physician, and Lt. Gov. Josh Green wants the pre-travel test window expanded from the current 72 hours to 96 hours. That, in addition to a second test 3 to 5 days after arrival. It appeared that change was going to happen, but now Green says that he doesn’t think any change is imminent and there has been no word from the governor on this.
3. Reduce quarantine from 14 to 10 days.
BOH says: Yes, that is pending.
Last week Hawaii’s Attorney General said that an announcement reducing the quarantine period from 14 to 10 days would occur this week. When that happens, the quarantine period, when applicable, will be reduced from 14 days to 10 days. Of course, that is of no use to Hawaii visitors whose vacations are on average 7 days.
4. Testing on arrival.
BOH says: Unknown.
At this time, only the Big Island requires testing on arrival. But others want that as well. Questions include whether the state has adequate access to that testing. For some reason, this just keeps dragging on.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Lieutenant Governor Josh Green, and the county mayors are all in favor of the on-arrival test option. So too is The House Committee on COVID and Hawaii Mega Hawaii-insurer HMSA, which said, “And if you’re negative, you simply stay in quarantine until you get your trusted partner test. And if that’s also negative, then you’re released from quarantine.” Adding to that list is the Hawaii Health Department’s Director, who supports implementing a second test 3 to 5 days after arrival. The largest health care provider in Hawaii agrees with this plan, as well.
5. Quarantine between pre-travel and on-arrival testing?
BOH says: Unlikely.
What rules will be associated with on-arrival testing? In other words, if Ige says (as he has) that the second test will not reduce the mandatory quarantine, we assume those tests will only be for those who have negative test results presented on arrival.
There is no indication of any upcoming change that would implement a quarantine period prior to the second test results.
6. Allow for modifications to Safe Travel on island by island basis.
BOH says: Unlikely.
Ige has made it clear that he is disinclined to allow the Safe Travels program to be defined differently on an island-by-island basis to keep rules clear and simpler. On the other hand, Kauai has opted out of Safe Travels and has a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arrivals.
7. Who pays for quarantine?
BOH says: Unclear.
In theory, arrivals who do not have test results who wish to remain in Hawaii will be under a 14-day quarantine. Ige mentioned in the latest interview that when visitors say they can’t afford it and thus refuse to pay, the state is responsible for paying for all of those expenses. Interesting dilemma.
In that regard, commenter Paul said, “I have an Airbnb rental for 12 days. If I test positive at the airport after arrival and have to quarantine, am I correct in understanding that I can’t quarantine at my rental? How does one find quarantine lodging at that point–does the state help/assign, or are you on your own? Is the cost prohibitive (it doesn’t seem like you would have much leverage at that point)?”
Great question, Paul.
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We are health providers and will have been fully vaccinated on arrival in Feb (already got the first one!). Please, does anyone know if there are plans to alter the testing requirements for people who can prove vaccination? It’s not that we mind testing, but with the risk of untimely results etc it just seems unwise to travel to Hawaii this year if we have to do it under the current testing/quarantine rules.
Hi Chris.
Here’s the latest on vaccination travel to Hawaii.
Aloha.
If anyone gets the Wall Street Journal, in today’s Personal Journey section of travel and entertainment, there is a long article about airlines betting on Covid tests, and positive remarks about Hawaii’s testing program and hospitalizations cut in half after the testing program started (except it does mention Kauai opted out even with good numbers) and the future of testing being airlines are the ones to administers tests.
Reading all these rules and regulations to travel over to Hawaii for our special needs daughters 40th Birthday is turning out to be a great disappointment. We have made arrangements but feel extreme pressure to not go. Just trying to find the testing partners in Idaho has been great challenge, then the costs for everyone and the possible cost of more. Too much to deal with.
I and my husband got our test done but not from a trusted site( negative results) however we were still Quarantine, we have been here for 4 days and we will cut our honeymoon short and go home, I don’t think we will be coming back in the near or far future. I have been coming here for many years, I think it’s time to go some where else and spend my money.
Sheila, I’m sorry this was a honeymoon cut short for you. However, Hawaii has been very clear with widespread information on every platform for months about ONLY trusted partners are acceptable. I am surprised you expected different results.
Thank you so much!
“but not from a trusted site … however we were still Quarantine”
One of these things leads directly to the other.
My question does not concern getting TO the Big Island but rather getting OUT for our return trip. When we arrived here all the gate benches etc were used to create the maze to get through to the post flight COVID test area. Can anyone give me any advice as to what to expect flying out via Alaska Airlines. TSA check go smoothly. Bag check smooth? Agriculture check the same as past several years? Any help, suggestions with outbound flights would be greatly appreciated.
JS
We just got back to the mainland on Saturday and had no issues. Everything was pretty much the same, other than social distancing and mask requirements. The lack of a crowd made for no lines and no problems.
Thanks. I found pretty much the same thing. In fact, it was actually easier than in times past. The newly opened facility at the airport certainly helps.
My wife and I have a trip planned in February, like most years, now we are at a loss concerning what to do. Where can we get real information? Do we risk $8,000 or just cancel and let the leaders of Hawaii reap the consequences of their stubbornness?
We had to cancel our trip in March. This was a yearly trip. We won’t even try in 2021 with the restrictions I am seeing. The worst is that it changes daily. We can make no plans under your current policies. At our ages Hawaii is probably off the table for the foreseeable future and we will have to find another vacation place. So sad.
I never write comments. In fact, this is my very first one. I realized I owe it to the BOH fam to post. BOH has been very helpful in allowing us to come to Hawaii. This is my experience. My family scheduled to come here in May, after all the covid stuff and rules changed we had to rebook 5 times but I was determined to get here. Just got here Dec 13. This is how I did it.
1) Only booked things I could cancel or get refunded for. (car, hotel)
2) Flew on airline that would give me last minute cancelation without penalty (southwest airlines)
3) Flowed the news everyday since October. BOH especially. I signed up for BOH to get emails!
4) Tested through Vault. Carefully reading the threats of successful people with this testing partner. (writing stat Hawaii on everything. Envelope,testing package, box it came in)
5) Changed my arrival day from Tuesday to Sunday. (If arriving on Tues, or Wed test may not come back in time because NO mail on Sunday.)
6) Uploaded my results on Hawaii travel site and printed out hard copies of test and QR codes.
We made it here without any problems. From testing to results with Vault was about 36 hours for everyone in family of 5.
The testing when we arrived in KONA was a joke. Too many people. They tested us and let us leave before results and said they would call us back if it was positive. Really! They barely swabbed my nostrils. Anyways follow the threads, stay hooked up with the Beat of Hawaii and it will be all good
Hi Troy.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write your first comment. Others have reported good results with Vault testing except for the UPS issue that caused you to change your flight date. They have also been responsive to our question, which we take favorably.
Aloha.
My opinion to this is expand the protesting to a week…travelers get tested, they wait for result 2-4 days, and if negative, travel. No quarantine is required when they arrive to the islands. Hotels enforce a process of daily screening travelers for symptoms. Travelers continue to follow CDC guidelines and individual business’s Covid 19 established processes.
Since Quest Diagnostics pulled out as a safe travel partner does that mean my 11/02/2020 prepaid test fees of $240 won’t be accepted at the airport during December or beyond?
I’m wondering why anyone would even want to attempt visiting Hawaii (an expensive travel destination that takes more planning than most other states to visit) during such an uncertain time. Yes, it’s gorgeous and people want to get away from their cold climates, cabin fever, etc., but island bound travelers need to be prepared to accept responsibility for their travel plans and the ever changing nature of Covid rules and delays. I’m sure the Hawaiian economy would love to have our vacation dollars as much as we’d like to spend them, but let’s be reasonable in our expectations of the current global situation. I’ve never been to Hawaii and we are planning to go, but not until things are more certain. Take care and make good choices, people.
I planned our son high school graduation trip to Hawaii back in October of 2019. When the pandemic hit our trip to Hawaii came to a halt. We tried to get our money back from the airlines but they turned us down and offered a voucher. We have twenty five hundred tied up in the Hawaiian Airlines that we cannot get back. Does anyone know where I can go to try and get my money back before I lose all of it?
So many of these comments leave me scratching head. It’s no wonder they put warning labels on bleach pods to not swallow them.
Life is hard; it’s even harder if you’re stupid.
(misattributed to John Wayne).
Aloha Rob and Roy
Hearing from my friends on Maui that especially on Kauai they are finally beginning to feel the pain of a lack of tourist dollars flowing into the economy. Although there have been many small business closing it now appears that even ones that have long time local roots are beginning to fail. Ouch!
Also the furloughing of teachers, county and state employees is creating a new group of residents that have skin in the game and feeling maybe a complete shutdown of tourism wasn’t such a great idea.
It will be interesting to see if this is the start of a change of public opinions feelings towards tourism and how important it is to the economy.
Hi Richard.
Yes, the financial situation is dire. We are hearing that some big businesses could fail soon, which will have wide-spread ramifications.
Aloha.
I am linking an article in Civil Beat about this topic, for example the permanent closing of the Ono Family Restaurant in Kapaa, who have (had …) great bean soup.
civilbeat.org/2020/12/kauai-businesses-we-cant-survive-without-travel/
As usual, comments are all over the spectrum.
My husband and I were confirmed for the Big Island the first week of Jan. We canceled because we felt like the Governor would change things up last minute…couldn’t take that risk traveling from Atlanta. Disappointed, but understanding. Heading to St Thomas instead.
Thanks for keeping us abreast
Hi Ngina.
Thanks for letting us know.
Aloha.
Companies do often give employees 7 days vacation time, but an employee can add to it on their own dime. So some of the belly aching here is about money, money, money, while in this Pandemic people are losing their lives, and this is being undervalued in these discussions. People just don’t get the seriousness of the situation until they lose their own loved ones. If they want to vacation in Hawaii, just schedule a longer vacation! People take extra time off all the time in corporate environments! Just follow the rules and everyone wins!
We just cancelled to the Big Island. We’ve been coming there for 50 years or so. My wife takes a lot of stuff when we come for a month. She has walking issues, so it is just too risky to go.
After the rule change regarding pre travel testing, I moved our trip to Kona from this week to end of February. I’m dying to see the humpbacks and hopefully my husband can get the vaccine by then (I’ve already had it, I’m part of the trial) and by then the state will have new rules for those who are vaccinated 🤞 if not, then we’ll have to move the trip again to Dec 2021.
I would like to make a comment for the hundreds of thousand of Hawaii residents that are being mistreated by the government with so many having to wait months for their unemployment benefits. Remember Governor Ige that the world is watching and if visitors feel that the wonderful people that look after visitors on a daily basis are not getting their benefits that they have paid for, visitors might make the decision to go elsewhere with their holiday dollars.
Morning, I travelled from Canada with a negative COVID test in hand from a trusted partner and was told that it was not acceptable, I had to fly back to LA, get a test in the Airport the next day and live in the airport for two days until I received my test results, then flew back. A added wrinkle is that California is now making travelers quarantine for 14 days, so if you leave the airport, you have to book a 14 day stay in a hotel. So instead of paying $2,000 for a quarantine hotel, I paid $1,000 for flights and a bad back. Not a good look on Hawaii for sure.
Will F,
I don’t know exactly why your initial results were rejected, but you should have uploaded them and seen a “Negative Results” confirmation on your Safe Travels trip, along with your QR code, BEFORE you got on the plane to Hawaii. If not, the results are on you. Hawaii does not care. As for your 2 days at LAX, that’s on California Governor Hair Gel, not on Hawaii.
All these comments from people who got on their flights without the uploaded and confirmed negative results, and then are disappointed that Hawaii wants them to be under room arrest. The rules are not hard to follow. It may be that you get let down by an approved testing partner, but if so, don’t get on the plane.
By the way, Canada won’t let US residents travel there, with very limited exceptions, even with a 14 day quarantine. Be thankful Hawaii at least has this possibility. Do you complain to your PM Eyebrows about the damage he (assuming he identifies as a “he” I don’t know) continues to inflict on the small businesses that cater to tourists in Canada?
Morning David B
I agree if the website had said rejected, I would of planned differently, but it said verification in process. I uploaded the documents 71 hours before my flight, so I thought I was doing everything that Hawaii asked for. Also, as per the travel website, they tell people that if your results are not acknowledged, then make sure you bring a hard copy with you, which I did. I am just stating facts for other people who do not live in the US, that it does not matter if they have their negative test results from a trusted partner, they will not accept them.
Aloha Will. In your original comment, you said:
“I travelled from Canada with a negative COVID test in hand from a trusted partner and was told that it was not acceptable”
Why not? You do not state why your test results were “not acceptable.” Who was the “trusted partner” in Canada? I was not aware there is any “trusted partner” in Canada. Was the test the correct type? Past comments from other Canucklers have stated they had to fly to the US mainland (e.g., at SFO) to be tested, before flying on to Hawaii. Which is what you also ended up doing, but the hard way.
I wish these measures were in place for the Southern California Desert Communities. It’s simply horrible to have your home touted as a “Pandemic Getaway”. They say stay at home. So why are people being marketed vacation trips???
Which allows them to possibly bring the virus to another area. Usually an area with a lower viral percentage. This is why the virus is not being taken serious by some. Stay Home means Stay at home!!!
We really need to have rules for all. Not rules for some!
Let me give you a opinion from a consumers point of view. My wife and I are in Hawaii celebrating a special anniversary. Prior to coming, we read everything the State posted regarding testing, quarantines, and the like. In addition, our time share contacted us to tell us we would not be allowed to quarantine in our unit if we were deemed to have to quarantine. Let’s just say this, there was a great deal of negative reinforcement to even visit the Island. Oh, and the State changed one of their testing rules along the way.
In spite of all this, here we are and to us, it was worth all the hassle and uncertainty.
One more thing, we met my brother and his wife here and while we compared experiences, it was interesting to note when they landed, no test. In fact, when they left their departure city, my brother got all of his testing info out to show the airline that they were good. The airline told them to have it ready in Hawaii. Why on earth would you let people fly here without a test or a positive test if you’re trying to keep the Covid numbers down. He flew United airlines.
We flew American and the ticket agent in our departure city and our connecting city asked us for the documents.
Last, but not least, in our experience since we were tested on arrival, there was no communication on the plane. A simple 1,2,3,4 would have made it easier for us to follow because the folks on the ground here seemed really disorganized and could have made the process come off much easier.
Like I said, it was worth all the uncertainty. Hawaii is such a wonderful place and the people here and their hospitality, are second to none.
Thank you for your efforts in trying to keep our Island healthy. Unfortunately the current system is not working well for Big Island. I returned from a seasonal job I took on the mainland on Dec 7. I was in a rural area where I was unable to get a compliant covid test that would be back within 72 hrs, so I had to fly to SFO (increasing my exposure) to get a test there. I was able to get a negative result. On my flight the passenger next to me, indicated that he had not had a pre travel test, and just planned to quarantine for 2 weeks on arrival. When we arrived in Kona, 3 large jets were arriving at the same time overwhelming the arrival testing station. Many of the 100’s of passengers were just waived thru (myself and my the guy next to me) with no arrival test. So my point is, 100’s of people are arriving with no screening. I opted to self quarantine for 4 days following my travel exposure and get a test to protect ohana, but I wonder how many others did?
Hi Jane.
Thanks for that report on your travels to Kona. We appreciate it.
Aloha.
I will be traveling to Hawaii in June and because of my personal situation I will most likely be vacinated by then.I am wondering if Hawaii has any plans for vacinated people to visit.If BOH or any readers have any info or even a guess, please reply.
Thanks, Jim
Hi Jim.
No word on that yet. It will be a while for that we think.
Aloha.
Thank you for this information. Are there any updates on testing turnaround times? On the Alaska Airlines trusted partner page, it names a provider and states results are available the next day by 2 p.m. Lori’s experience has us biting our nails. Is this a one-off, or is there widespread delays in receiving Covid 19 test results even from labs partnering with airlines?
Hi Arlene.
Look for an update coming up on this today. Thanks for asking.
Aloha.
Wife and I really wanted to take a trip to Hawaii we were saving up for a trip on our 5 year anniversary. The more I read articles on this type of stuff (and read the comment boards) I find myself questioning if I ever want to actually go anymore. From an outside perspective, it feels as though there is an immense amount of hate for tourist. From the comments I’ve read I don’t think I would even feel safe honestly…
Tyler,
It’s perfectly “SAFE” (whatever that means, anymore) in Hawaii. Way more so than Mexico, BTW. Even if you catch some stink eye, that’s better than armed robbery (or worse). But, I digress. Yes, there is a significant amount of the population that wishes there were way less tourists. That can also be said for anywhere on the planet that is overrun by tourists, and has limited capacity (less roads, than cars, for example). There are a few neighborhoods on Kauai that I won’t wander into, but compared with any big city in the mainland?
David,
I’ve been keeping up with the comment boards quite regularly looking for guidance since our 5 year anniversary is coming up in a couple months. I know it is nothing to judge an entire place off of, but I have seen death threats for tourists (or wishing death upon them) quite a few times. I’m not saying that Hawaii is more dangerous than Mexico, but from what I’ve read over this shutdown I don’t think I could say I would ever feel welcome. I grew up in a tourist town, only 12k people lived there, but had ten times that visit each year. I know animosity towards tourists, and this is just next level.
Tyler,
I am curious – on which comment boards have you “seen death threats for tourists (or wishing death upon them) quite a few times”??
I’ve been back on Kauai for 6 weeks now, and have yet to catch a single stink eye, let alone death threat. Even our “Kanaka Patrol” neighbors will give a little waive after bridge crossings. Maybe because I appear as a resident?, but it’s not like haole residents are loved anymore than tourists. Often just the opposite, since at least tourists leave after a week.
Hi
I left off the name of the Covid 19 testing company that promises next day by 2 pm results for Alaska Air passengers. But now I see other people named the company, so I will include Carbon Health in Carlsbad, CA. as the company I need verification about their turnaround times.
Thanks,
Arlene D.
Does anyone know if you are subject to quarantine for whatever reason (e.g. didn’t get your results in time, etc) if you are allowed to stay at your own condo? We aren’t full time Hawaii residents but do own a condo on Maui.
The State of Hawaii website does not make this clear. If you are a returning resident then they say you can stay at your residence. If you are a visitor they say you must stay in a quarantine approved hotel. They make no mention of visitors who own property.
I’d like to think that you’d be able to stay in your own place.
You absolutely can stay in your own condo if you won it or have a long term lease. Suggest bring your tax bill or something to show proof. If is in name of trust, bring trust doc to show you are the trustee. It should not matter that tt is not your “domicile” for income tax purposes. Maui is pleased to accept your property tax money, Am-I-Right?
I forget exactly, since we’ve been back 6 weeks now, but I believe you will have this option in the Safe Travels web site. When you create a “trip profile,” they want you to provide arrival date, departure date, and place your are staying. I signed up as a tourist, even though we live here part-time, since this is not our primary residence for income tax purposes. Tourist was the only option other than resident. We had no specific date to return to mainland, so we put in an arbitrary date. I believe I entered our Kauai street address for where we are staying, but it’s been too long. I know we did not just make up a hotel reservation. And our trip profile was accepted.
Hi David.
Not only are you frequently humorous you’re also very helpful. Thank you.
Aloha.
We are here and followed the protocol. No problem. We got the abbot now rapid test for AFC urgent care. Results in 3 hours. Dont bother w a test that takes days. The state accepts this rapid test. Never a worry as we had results same day. All you do is find a place on the list that does rapid tests and you’re good.
Most things re open here on the big island. Come to paradise, just get thw rapid test. Done.
We have traveled to Hawaii and have been made to quarantine for 14 days eventhough,we took a Covid 19 test and results were negative upon arriving in Honolulu. We aren’t having a positive experience by being locked in a hotel room. This no way to treat visitors who didn’t know you had specific trusted partners that you have to be tested with. We spent a lot of money and time to make this a beautiful experience. We are on a honeymoon. I work from home as a Medicare consultant at GoHealth and my husband works for the Albany County Sheriff. Just make it simple and have them take a trusted partner test again upon arrival. If they test negative again they should be able to enter. This makes makes common sense. There should be more accommodations and options for the visitor to be able to get through the process quicker to enjoy their stay in Hawaii. It makes you feel like your in prison and not wanting to stay. Please consider.
Hazel with all due respect, Hawaii had shut down travel to Hawaii for visitors for many months which is why many of us rebooked multiple times until the State re-opened for Trans-Pacific travel on October 15th. With this in mind and all the uncertainty’s of Covid-19, it has been incumbent on ALL those who planned to travel there to read, update and to educate ourselves on the Safe Travel’s Guidelines. Along with updates from Hawaii News, as well as the Hawaii.com/Covid19 website and also airlines emailing ample information/updates about what travelers need to know….there’s really no excuse for not knowing what was expected.
Why you let your economy and businesses be crushed by the edicts of little tyrants amazes me. Freaking Disneyworld has been up and running for months without cases being traced back to it. Yet Hawaii and its expansive beaches must remain closed?
Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.
hit the fast forward button a few years and well look back at this choas and just say what we’re our fearless leaders thinking? irreparable harm is being done to all citizens.
So have any of you read the rules. If you test positive upon arrival you have to quarantine but you can’t go to public places such as resorts or hotels. Also they say you need two neg tests to fly again. It can takes a long time for some people to test neg after a positive. You could be stranded their for quite awhile. We are cancelling our trip since I read all the rules and thought of the outcomes should any thing go wrong.